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By Mayo Clinic staffBone marrow exams are often performed on an outpatient basis, and no special preparation is needed. Just knowing that you're going to have a bone marrow exam can cause some anxiety and stress. Keep in mind that bone marrow exams aren't always painful, and they're over with quickly. If you're feeling anxious or worried, talk to your health care team. Your doctor may give you a sedative medication before your aspiration and biopsy, in addition to a numbing agent (local anesthesia) at the site where the needle is inserted.
Tell your health care team if you've ever had an allergic reaction to any type of anesthetic or have become ill after anesthesia. Also tell your health care team if you're pregnant and what medications and supplements you take.
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